Travel and transport
For Non-Fiction November 2019, the theme is Travel and Transport Around the World, but if you're not sure where to start, don't worry - we've put together a list of brilliant books that will wow you and your family...
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The Story of the Car
Author: Giles Chapman Illustrator: Us Now
Publisher: Wren & Rook
Interest age: 5-12
Reading age: 7-11Starting from the invention of the car and journeying through its development as a mode of transport (and a thing of beauty in itself) to electric cars and the future of motoring, this fascinating book about the history of cars feels well overdue. It’s not a subject that has received much attention in children’s nonfiction, despite a great interest among you…
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Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country
Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Mouni Feddag
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 7+A perfect book for young children interested in their cultural heritage or for those with a passion for travel and geography, this would also make a gorgeous gift for anyone interested in Africa.
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Fast Forward: The World's Most Famous Race Tracks and Race Cars
Author: Adam Skinner Illustrator: James Gilleard
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+This remarkable, colourful guide to car racing will thrill little petrolheads: expect technical details, history, and fascinating personal interest stories.
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All Kinds of Cars
Author: Carl Johanson
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Interest age: 2-8
Reading age: 5+A unique, picture book about real and imaginary vehicles of every sort: from a fire engine, small loading shovel and a limousine, to a moving skyscraper car, a sock on wheels and a chewing-gum car!
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Stephen Biesty’s Trains
Author: Ian Graham Illustrator: Stephen Biesty
Publisher: Templar
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 7+This generously proportioned lift-the-flap book takes a journey through rail history: it's packed with fascinating nuggets of information and technical details, with clear yet beautiful drawings.
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Lots
Author: Marc Martin
Publisher: Bonnier Publishing
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 3-6This beautiful book celebrates the world we live in: there are LOTS of people, places, landscapes and cultures to see. Marc Martin's illustrations capture the spirit of every place and culture, igniting the travelling bug for young explorers.
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The Hello Atlas
Author: Ben Handicott Illustrator: Kenard Pak
Publisher: Wide Eyed Books
Interest age: 7-9
Reading age: 7-9The Hello Atlas is the ideal book for children eager to learn more about the world around them (and parents, too). Teach your little ones useful phrases in over 100 different languages, while finding out more about people from all over the globe.
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Maps of the United Kingdom
Author: Rachel Dixon Illustrator: Livi Gosling
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Interest age: 6-10
Reading age: 7+This comprehensive hardback guide to the UK is full of illustrated maps, facts and historical titbits. A great way to get children excited about exploring – or perhaps whet their interest about any planned holidays or day trips.
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Alastair Humphreys’ Great Adventurers
Author: Alastair Humphrey Illustrator: Kevin Ward
Publisher: Big Picture Press
Interest age: 7-10
Reading age: 8+An inspiring introduction to 20 adventurers and explorers from the last 700 years. This book will encourage readers to live more adventurously, think a little more boldly and go a little further themselves.
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Everest: The Remarkable Story of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
Author: Alexandra Stewart Illustrator: Joe Todd-Stanton
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest. But what were their individual stories, and how did they end up climbing Everest together? A detailed and beautifully rendered account of this amazing achievement.
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Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World
Author: Ben Handicott Illustrator: Lucy Letherland
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Interest age: 8-11
Reading age: 8+From the Eiffel Tower to Angkor Wat, Death Valley to Easter Island, this edition of the beautiful and information-packed Atlas of Adventures series explores 30 wonders of the world, featuring a mix of human structures and natural phenomena.
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Skyward
Author: Sally Deng
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 7+This slightly fictionalised version of the experiences of female pilots in World War Two is a fascinating read in terms of untold history. It's also an inspiring and heartwarming story of the close bonds these pioneer female pilots formed with each other. Brilliant.
